Pignoli (Italian Pine Nut Cookies)

I have partnered with Pompeian Grapeseed Oil Spray to bring you my Pignoli Nut Cookies recipe.

True Story: I once won a man’s heart with these Pignoli cookies, also known as pine nut cookies. Early in the relationship my friend raved about the Pignoli cookies he loved to get whenever he visited Ferrara Bakery in (Little Italy) NYC. Being of French and German descent myself, I wasn’t familiar with these classic Italian cookies. I scoured the web for a recipe and found them all to be pretty much the same, with the exception of a small amount of flour which I prefer to use in my recipe. The cookies were a huge success, and I won his heart. Sadly the relationship didn’t last, but we are still great friends. I wonder if my cookies have anything to do with that?

Because of the two main ingredients of almond paste and pine nuts, these cookies are a little expensive to make. I think they are so worth the extra dollars, and a real treat for whoever gets to enjoy them.

This cookie dough is a bit sticky, so I recommend lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or spraying them with Pompeian Grapeseed Oil Spray.

directions:

2. Break the almond paste into small pieces; place the pieces in a food processor. Add the granulated and confectioners’ sugars, salt, and the flour. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground. Begin to add the egg whites, a little at a time, just until the dough comes together. You may not need to add all of the egg whites.

3. With slightly wet hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. I recommend scooping them out with a small cookie scoop, to keep them uniform. You’re going to get 12 – 15 cookies from this recipe. Roll the balls in the pine nuts, pressing to adhere the nuts (mainly on the tops of the cookies.)

4. Place the balls 2-inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten the tops of the cookies with your fingers. Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven, and allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets.

This post has been sponsored by Smiley360 and product was provided. Pompeian Grapeseed Oil Spray is an all natural cooking spray. It has a light flavor that comes from delicate wine grapes that reduce absorption so food preserves its natural flavor. Pompeian Grapeseed Oil is a rich source of Vitamin E and antioxidants and now available in a new innovative, eco-friendly cooking spray can!

Instructions

2. Break the almond paste into small pieces; place the pieces in a food processor. Add the granulated and confectioners' sugars, salt, and the flour. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground. Begin to add the egg whites, a little at a time, just until the dough comes together. You may not need to add all of the egg whites.

3. With slightly wet hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. I recommend scooping them out with a small cookie scoop, to keep them uniform. You're going to get 12 - 15 cookies from this recipe. Roll the balls in the pine nuts, pressing to adhere the nuts (mainly on the tops of the cookies.)

4. Place the balls 2-inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten the tops of the cookies with your fingers. Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven, and allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets.

I’m not a fan of pine nuts personally, I wonder if pistachios or macadamia nuts would clash with the almond paste flavor…or maybe just substitute the pine nuts with more almonds?! The rest of the cookie though sounds delicious – I guess I could even make them without the nuts 🙂

Pignoli Cookies are one of my favorite cookies along with Cucidati. Thanks for this recipe. I have always wanted to make them but thought it would be complicated. After seeing this I ‘m going to do it. They are expensive but for the Holidays they are so worth it. Thanks again.
Carol L

These look absolutely delicious. I have never heard of or even seen almond paste, and rarely use pine nuts, yet, I find myself wishing I could try this cookie. That is so awesome that you won his heart with these. You know what they say, the way to a mans heart is through his stomach. I believe it, yet, I am a pretty sad cook. I must practice!

That is a cute story! I love these cookies, and get them from the Italian bakery. It never occurred to me to make them myself! And I love to bake, so guess what i’m making as soon as I get my hands on almond paste and pignoli nuts!!! Yippee!

I never have thought about using pine nuts in cookies, these look tasty. I have some pine nuts, looks like we will have some Pine Nut cookies this weekend.
Thanks for sharing, found your site from the Weekend Re-Treat Link Party.

Hi Angela, You have made my dream come true. When I used to live in N.J. in the 90’s there was a localbItalian bakery that made these cookies, they were the bomb!! Aaand..they were the most expensive cookie they had, I used to stop by just for a couple of those to indulge myself when out and about, Ive made them several times now and. Even gluten free ones for my sister in law who has celiac disease, she loves them so much she ven sprung for the pine nuts so I would make her some..Thanks so much for sharing this recipe, it truly is an heirloom 🙂

I was actually going to search out a recipe fr these. I have made them for years but only this time of the year. I can’t find the recipe I have used in the past but this one looks perfect. These are the most delicious cookies ever.

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The 411 On Us

Hi, I'm Angela, founder and content creator at About a Mom. I live in sunny Florida with my 10-year-old little girl. If you are seeking ideas and inspiration for family fun, mealtime, travel, or fun things to do in Florida, you will find it here. Please take a moment to explore this blog, check out my 'About Me' page or drop me a note.